Citi is staying the course on a multi-year branch reduction strategy. The bank shrunk its North American branch network four percent over the last year, according to its earnings report for the fourth quarter of 2017. Over the past three years, it reduced the number of branches by 16 percent and downsized existing ones — moves that saved the bank $400 million, said Stephen Bird, CEO of global consumer banking, at Citi’s investor day in July. With 694 branches in the U.S., down from 723 in the same quarter in 2016, Citi has the smallest footprint of any major American institution.

On Tuesday Citi reported 14 percent growth in its retail banking revenue to 1.2 billion from the same quarter in the previous yearon checking deposits, investments, loans and commercial banking activity. In the same period, digital users grew 13 percent to 17 million, and mobile users grew 21 percent to 9 million compared to the same period the year before. Citi isn’t interested in acquiring other banks, said CFO John Gerspach said on its earnings call Tuesday; mergers would bring additional branch space as the company trims its physical footprint. Future acquisitions will be aimed at generating organic growth through digital channels.

Citi reported revenues of 17.3 billion. Operating expenses changed 1 percentcompared to last year ($17 billion), and higher volume-related expenses were offset by efficiencies and the wind-down of legacy assets.

“We’re making investments in digital, and growing our franchise through digital rather than the physical footprint,” he said.

Branches are consolidating locations with lower servicing volume, opening in higher growth areas and renovating existing branches and ATMs. More importantly, they’re evolving into more compact, digitally oriented spaces that incorporate new technology and help branch employees focus on improving the customer experience. Most banks’ branch networks have shrunk in size thanks to rising costs of real estate, and many have disappeared entirely, according to data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation. Chase reduced its branch presence by 190 locations, a 3.4 percent decline, from 2012 to 2016. Wells Fargo closed 98 branches, a 1.6 percent decline in the same period. Its peers are even more aggressive. Bank of America closed 243 branches (16 percent) in that period.

Instead of a legacy teller model, over the past year, the bank has rolled out “digital branches,” which contain workbenches with computers that let customers review their finances, with the staffers on iPads on hand to assist as needed.

About Tearsheet

Tearsheet is the only media company obsessively focused on technology’s impact on the financial services and fintech industry. Read by decision makers across product, marketing, and digital, Tearsheet connects with its audience across web, email, podcasts, the Outlier membership program and in-person events.